| Euphorbia mellifera | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. mellifera |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia mellifera Ait. |
|
Euphorbia mellifera', the Honey spurge ( syn. Tithymalus melliferus Moench [1]) is a flowering perennial plant with large, attractive leaves. It flowers in late-Spring and its yellow flowers are borne on tall spikes.
The plant's species name mellifera refers to the honey-like scent of the flowers. Honey spurge is native and endemic to the Canary Islands and Madeira in Macaronesia.
Like all euphorbias, this plant contains a milky-white sap, which oozes out of the stems when cut. This can be a skin irritant and is very harmful to the eyes. Gloves should be worn when pruning.